Hindu fury as Oxford University college offers Haribo Goldbears sweets at a dinner to celebrate Diwali – even though they contain beef

It was the sugary treat that left a rather sour taste. One of Oxford University's most prestigious colleges has apologised for offering Haribo Goldbears sweets at a dinner to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali – even though they contain beef.

The consumption of beef conflicts with the Hindu faith as cows are considered sacred, and angry students took to social media to criticise the blunder at Christ Church.

Writing on Oxfess, the university's Facebook 'confessions' page, one said: 'Pls just someone give more than five seconds thought to 'minority' students next time.'

While most of Haribo's UK products contain gelatine derived from pork, Halal products, such as its cola bottles, cherries and Goldbears, have a beef substitute

Another wrote: 'The complete lack of thought that went into giving Haribos as a Diwali sweet is pretty appalling, even as someone who's not religious.'

Diwali – a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs from mid-October to mid-November – is traditionally marked by the giving of sweets.

While most of Haribo's UK products contain gelatine derived from pork, Halal products, such as its cola bottles, cherries and Goldbears, have a beef substitute.

Christ Church admitted last night that the choice of sweet had not been 'properly scrutinised'.

A spokesman said: 'Diwali celebrations at Christ Church are, in normal times, organised in conjunction with the students, but the usual arrangements were not in place this year because of the pandemic.

'Unfortunately, the wrong sweets were provided at the first dinner as the ingredient list had not been properly scrutinised. We are sorry for any upset this may have caused.'

Earlier this year, the college, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, ordered staff and students to undergo training to combat racial bias, having introduced a compulsory anti-bias session as part of its induction programme.

Christ Church admitted last night that the choice of sweet had not been 'properly scrutinised'